As of 2024 the world is in its climate mitigation efforts tentatively following SSP245. The socio-economic context of this pathway looks as follows:
• The global economy grows steadily, but economic disparities and uneven development persist. Urbanization continues at a moderate pace, with urban centers expanding.
• Environmental and energy policies are implemented inconsistently across regions. While some regions may adopt cleaner technologies and improve efficiency, others may continue relying on fossil fuels.
• Improvements in technology and energy efficiency are incremental, with a slow but steady shift towards renewable energy sources. Fossil fuels continue to play a significant role in the energy mix.
• Adaptation to climate impacts is globally moderate, with some regions better equipped than others. Global mitigation efforts are present but insufficient to achieve the lowest possible warming targets targeted in international agreements (for instance the Paris Agreement).

The expected climate and emission consequences of this scenario are:
• Emissions peak around mid-century and then decline, but not as rapidly as in more ambitious mitigation scenarios. This results in a stabilization of radiative forcing at around 4.5 W/m².
• The expected global temperature rise under this scenario is moderate, likely leading to a warming of approximately 2.1°C to 3.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100, depending on climate sensitivity.
• Significant climate impacts, but less severe than in high-emission scenarios like RCP8.5.

For details see: